Cooking appliances



Jan. 16, 1962 J. L. ANDREWS 3,017,489

COOKING APPLIANCES Filed 001;. 31, 1960 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 mmvrox. Jo/m L. Andrews I BY 1 w 2 0 Mir 7: W M.

1952 J. L. ANDREWS 3,017,489

- cooxmc APPLIANCES Filed Oct 31, 1960 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 IN VEN TOR. Jo/m L. Andrews BY 6 awc W W4 Am J- L. ANDREWS COOKING APPLIANCES Jan. 16, 1962 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed Oct. 31, 1960 INV EN TOR John L. Andrews i 3L 41m.

5 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed 00t- 3l, 1960 INVENTOR. John L Andrews 3,017,489 7 p COOKING APPLIANCES John L. Andrews, Only, Mo, assignor to General Electric Company, a corporation of New York Filed Oct. 31, 1960, Ser. No. 66,186 17 Claims. (Cl. 21937) The present invention relates to cooking appliances adapted for installation in kitchen counters, or the like.

It is a general object of the invention to provide a kitchen counter cooking appliance incorporating an improved casing arrangement that facilitates ready placement and removal with respect thereto of the heating units and the manually operable control devices therefor.

Another object of the invention is to provide a kitchen counter cooking appliance of the character noted, wherein the heating units mentioned comprise electric hotplates and wherein the manually operable control devices mentioned comprise electric switches for respectively controlling different electric heating connections from a power source to the respective hotplates.

A further object of the invention is to provide a kitchen counter cooking appliance of the character described that incorporates an improved arrangement of an electrical receptacle accommodating ready placement and removal of electric control switches of the plug-in type.

A further object of the invention is to provide a kitchen counter cooking appliance that comprises a casing mounting an electric heating unit for movements between a substantially horizontal active or cooking position and an upwardly inclined inactive position facilitating ready servicing or cleaning of the heating unit, and carrying a manually operable electric control switch for the heating unit, wherein the control switch and the heating unit carry complementary cooperating contact elements defining a disconnect switch, and wherein the contacts of the disconnect switch are operated into closed positions when the heating unit is actuated into its active position, and wherein the contacts of the disconnect switch are operated into open positions when the heating unit is Y actuated into its inactive position.

A further object of the invention is to provide in a kitchen counter cooking appliance comprising an electric heating unit selectively operable between an active or cooking position and an inactive or cleaning position, an electrical receptacle, and an electric control switch; wherein the electric control switch cooperates with the electrical receptacle to provide a disconnect switch of the plug-in type, and wherein the electric control switch cooperates with the electric heating unit to provide a disconnect switch of the switch-blade type that is respectively operated between closed and open position in response to corresponding movements of the electric heating unit between its active and inactive positions.

A still further object of the invention is to provide in a kitchen counter cooking appliance, an improved casing arrangement that not only supports an associated electric heating unit and an associated electric control switch therefor, but which also defines an improved drip basin arrangement for catching spillage through the electric heating unit and which also incorporates an improved receptacle arrangement for mounting the electric control switch so as to insure no contact of the electrical connections by the spillage accumulating in the basin men tioned.

Further features of the invention pertain to the particular arrangement of the elements of the cooking appliance, whereby the above-outlined and additional operating features thereof are attained.

The invention, both as to its organization and method of operation, together with further objects and advanatent O tages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following specification, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIGURE 1 is a plan view of only the casing of a cooking appliance embodying the present invention and indicating a fragmentary portion of a kitchen counter surrounding an opening provided therein in which the casing is installed;

FIG. 2 is an exploded longitudinal sectional view of the casing, taken in the direction of the arrows along the line 22'in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an exploded lateral sectional view of the casing, taken in the direction of the arrows along the line 33 in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged fragmentary vertical sectional view of the casing and the adjacent portion of the kitchen counter, taken in the direction of the arrows along the line 4-4 in FIG. 1, and illustrating the arrangement for securing the casing in place in the opening provided in the kitchen counter and for sealing the joint therebetween;

FIG. 5 is a plan view of the complete cooking applianc-e, similar to FIG. 1, and further illustrating the relation of the two electric heating units and the two electric control switches therefor that are carried by the casing of FIGS. 1 to 3, inclusive;

FIG. 6 is an enlarged fragmentary longitudinal sectional View of the complete cooking appliance, taken in the direction of the arrows along the line 6-6 in FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a further enlarged fragmentary longitudinal sectional view, similar to FIG. 6, and illustrating the right-hand electric heating unit in its inactive or raised position with respect to the associated casing;

PEG. 8 is a further enlarged fragmentary lateral section-al view, similar to FIG. 7, and illustrating the righthand electric heating unit in its active or substantially horizontal position with respect to the associated casing, this view being taken in the direction of the arrows along the line 8'8 in FIG. 6;

FIG. 9 is a further enlarged exploded view, illustrating the top of the dome carried by the central portion of the casing and the top of the electrical receptacle mounted in the dome and illustrating the bottoms of the two manually operable electric control switches that are adapted to be supported by the electric receptacle mentioned, the two control switches being illustrated in their withdrawn and inverted positions with respect'to the electrical receptacle mentioned;

FIG. 10 is a further enlarged side elevational view, partly broken away, of one of the electric control switches mentioned;

FIG. 11 is another further enlarged side elevational view of the one electric control switch mentioned, this view being taken at with respect to that of FIG. 11;

FIG. 12 is a fragmentary diagrammatic illustration of the electrical components of the appliance indicating the arrangement of the electrical receptacle and the two cooperating electric switches and only one of the electric heating units, the right-hand elect ic heating unit illustrated being operatively associated with the right-hand electric switch mentioned;

FIG. 13 is a diagrammatic illustration of the circuit elements of the electric switch in its oif position and of the cooperating electric heating unit; and

FIGS. 14, 15, 16, 17 and 18 are diagrammatic illustrations, similar to FIG. 13, illustrating the circuit elements in the respective high, warm, low, third and second positions of the electric control switch.

Referring now to FIGS. 1 to 4, inclusive, the cooking appliance 20 there illustrated and embodying the features of the present invention, comprises a casing 30 that is especially adapted to be installed in a kitchen counter,

or the like, indicated at 21. More particularly, the kitchen counter 21 may comprise a supporting body 22 formed of wood, plywood, etc., and provided with an outer finish sheet 23 formed of stainless steel, plastic material, etc.; which kitchen counter 21 has a substantially rectangular opening 24 formed therethrough in which the casing 30 of the cooking appliance 20 is mounted or installed.

The casing 30 comprises a first lower metal structure 31 essentially in the form of a pan and a second upper metal structure 32 essentially in the form of a partial cover. The lower structure 31 comprises a bottom wall 33 provided with a marginal wall 34 upstanding therefrom and terminating in a substantially fiat top wall 35 outstanding from the top of the marginal wall 34, and, in turn, provided with a downwardly directed marginal rim 36. Also, an upstanding laterally extending boss 37 is formed in the bottom wall 33 and cooperates with the marginal wall 34 to define two longitudinally spacedapart basins 38 and 39 in the lower structure 31. The top of the boss 37 disposed between the two basins 38 and 39 is arranged below the top wall 35 and has a substantially centrally disposed hole 40 formed therethrough that is employed for a purpose more fully explained hereinafter. Furthermore, two laterally spaced-apart and substantially longitudinally extending shallow recesses or grooves 41 and 42 are respectively formed in the opposite sides of the top wall 35 at the junctions thereof with the opposite sides of the marginal wall 34.

The upper structure 32 comprises an upper wall 43 provided with a surrounding boundary wall 44 depending therefrom and terminating in a substantially flat lower wall 45 outstanding from the bottom of the boundary wall 44; whereby a dome 46 is defined below the upper wall 43 and within the boundary wall 44; and two longitudinally spaced-apart substantially rectangular holes 47 and 48 are formed in the upper wall 43 that are employed for a purpose more fully explained hereinafter. As previously noted, the upper structure 32 constitutes a partial cover for the lower structure 31, whereby the upper structure 32 is adapted to fit over the top central portion of the lower structure 31 with the two laterally spaced-apart and substantially longitudinally extending edges of the lower wall 45 respectively disposed in the two shallow grooves 41 and 42 formed in the top wall 35; and when the upper structure 32 occupies its assembled position with respect to the top of the lower structure 31, as described above, the top surface of the fiat lower wall 45 of the upper structure 32 is disposed substantially coplanar with the top surface of the fiat top wall 35 of the lower structure 31, as indicated in FIG. 1.

In the arrangement, the upper structure 32 is suitably secured in place upon the top of the lower structure 31 in any suitable manner, such, for example, as by a pair of laterally spaced-apart screws, as respectively indicated at 49 and 50 in FIG. 1. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the left-hand end of the marginal wall 34 has a substantially semi-cylindrical configuration and cooperates with a downwardly turned rim 51 carried on the left-hand end of the lower wall 45; which rim 51 also has a substantially semi-cylindrical configuration; whereby the left-hand end of the marginal wall 34 cooperates with the lefthand end rim 51 carried by the lower wall 45 to define a first substantially circular opening 52 into the top of the composite casing 30. Similarly, the right-hand end of the marginal wall 34 has a substantially semi-cylindrical configuration and cooperates with a downwardly turned rim 53 carried on the right-hand end of the lower wall 45; which rim 53 also has a substantially semi-cylindrical configuration; whereby the right-hand end of the marginal wall 34 cooperates with the right-hand end rim 53 carried by the lower Wall 45 to define a second substantially circular opening 54 into the top of the composite casing 30. In the arrangement, the first and second openings 52 and 54 are respectively disposed adjacent to the left-hand end and to the right-hand end of the composite casing 39, and the left-hand opening 32 may have a diameter somewhat larger than that of the right-hand opening 54. Specifically, as explained more fully hereinafter, the left-hand opening 52 may be arranged to receive a 10" electric heating unit, while the right-hand opening 54 may be arranged to receive a 6" electric heating unit.

Accordingly, in the composite casing 33, with the upper section 32 in its assembled position upon the top of the lower section 31, the upper wall 43 is disposed well abor e the lower wall 45, and constitutes an island with respect to the lower wall 45 in surrounding relation with the boundary wall 44; and the lower wall 45 and the top wall 35 are disposed substantially flush with each other, with the top wall 35 surrounding the lower wall 45. Accordingly, the lower wall 45 and the top wall 35 are disposed substantially coplanar and cooperate mutually to define the two circular openings 52 and 54 into the composite casing 30. Of course, the bottom wall 31 is disposed below the top wall 35 and the upper wall 45 to define the two basins 38 and 39 respectively disposed below the circular openings 52 and 54.

As previously explained, the top wall 35 has a substantially rectangular configuration and is thus surrounded by the substantially rectangular depending rim 36; and as best illustrated in FIG. 4, the composite casing 30 is disposed within the substantially rectangular opening 24 provided in the kitchen counter 21 and mounted in place by an arrangement including a substantially rectangular trim rim 55, a plurality of cooperating clips 56 and a plurality of cooperating thumb screws 57. The trim rim 55 is substantially T-shaped in lateral cross-section, including a head 58 spanning the gap between the rim 36 and the kitchen counter 21, as well as a depending stem 69 disposed in the gap mentioned. More particularly, the inner marginal edge of the head 58 overlaps the outer marginal edge of the top Wall 35 and the outer marginal edge of the head 58 overlaps the marginal portion of the finish sheet 23 of the kitchen counter 21, forming a liquidtight seal therebetween; and in the arrangement, the upper surface of the top wall 35 is disposed substantially coplanar with the upper surface of the finish sheet 23, with the head 58 disposed slightly thereabove and trimming the joint therebetween. Specifically, a plurality of spacedapart holes 61 are formed in the stem 60 and the previously-mentioned clips 56 are projected therethrough. Each ofthe clips is substantially Z-shaped, including an inner arm 62 disposed below the top wall 35 and provided with a threaded hole 63 into which the threaded shank of the cooperating thumb screw 57 is arranged. Also, each of the clips 56 comprises an outer arm 64 disposed below the supporting body 22 of the kitchen counter 21, as well as a connecting section 65. In the arrangement, it is the inner arm 62 of the clip 56 that projects through the hole 61 formed in the stem 60 of the trim rim 55; whereby tightening of the thumb screw 57, so as to cause the extreme upper end of the threaded shank thereof to engage the undersurface of the top wall 35, pivots the clip 56 in the counterclockwise direction, as viewed in FIG. 4, within the hole 61 formed in the stem 61), with the result that the outer arm 64 bites into the lower surface of the supporting body 22 of the kitchen counter 21.

Of course, all of the thumb screws 57 disposed in spacedapart relation about the perimeter of the top wall 35 are tightened so as to cause the cooperating clips 56 to exert the above-described clamping actions with the cooperating trim rim 55; whereby the composite casing 30 is securely anchored in place in the rectangular opening 24 provided in the kitchen counter 21. When the composite casing 30 occupies its installed or mounted position, as described above, it is securely fastened to the kitchen counter 21, and the trim rim 55 seals the joint between the perimeter of the top wall 35 and the adjacent surrounding portion of the finish sheet 23, with the top wall .5 35 disposed substantially coplanar with the finish sheet 23 of the kitchen counter 21. In the arrangement of the composite casing 38, it is preferable that each of the structures 31 and 32, as well as the trim rim 55 be formed of stainless steel, so as to give the cooking appliance Zil a finished and attractive appearance.

Referring now to FEGS. and 6, the cooking appliance 20 further comprises a first heating unit 71 carried by the left-hand end of the upper casing section 32 of the composite casing 30 and disposed in superimposed relation with respect to the left-hand opening 52 provided therein and arranged above the left-hand basin 38 formed in the lower casing section 31, and a second heating unit 72 carried by the right-hand end of the upper casing section 32 of the composite casing 30 and disposed in superimposed relation with respect to the right-hand opening 54- provided therein and arranged above the right-hand basin 39 formed in the lower casing section 31. As previously noted, the left-hand heating unit 71 may comprise a electric heating unit, while the right-hand heating unit 72 may comprise a 6" electric heating unit. More specifically, the left-hand heating unit 71 comprises supporting structure 73 that is pivotally mounted upon a cooperating clip 73' depending below the associated left-hand end of the top wall 45 of the upper casing section 32; whereby the lefthand heating unit 71 may be pivotally moved between a substantially horizontal active position disposed within the left-hand opening 52 and an upwradly inclined inactive position disposed out of and above the left-hand opening 52. Similarly, the right-hand heating unit 72 comprises supporting structure 74 that is pivotally mounted upon a cooperating clip 75 depending below the associated righthand end of the top wall 4-5 of the upper casing section 32; whereby the right-hand heating unit '72 may be pivotally moved between a substantially horizontal active position disposed within the right-hand opening 54 and an upwardly inclined inactive position disposed out of and above the right-hand opening 5.4. Further, the left-hand heating unit 71 comprises two electric heating elements 76 and 77 that are disposed in an associated trim ring 7 8, all carried by the supporting structure 73 and pivotally movable therewith. Similarly, the right-hand heating unit 72- comprises two electric heating elements '79 and 811 that are disposed in an associated trim ring 81, all carried by the supporting structure 73 and pivotally movable therewith. 1n the arrangement, preferably the individual heating elements 76, 77, 79 and 8,0 are of the sheathed resistance conductor type of the general construction and arrangement of that disclosed in US. Patent No. 1,3 67,341, granted on Februcry 1, 1921 to Charles C. Abbott,

In the heating unit 71, the individual heating elements 76 and 77 are interwound in substantially helical form, and the four extremities of the two individual heating elements 76 and 77 project first downwardly, then inwardly and thence upwardly from the cooking platform of the heating unit 71, as clearly illustrated in FIG. 6; which four extremities of the individual heating elements 76 and 77 are securely clamped together by an associated clamping structure 82 that is pivotally connected by an associated pivot pin 83 to the clip 73, as previously noted. Similarly, in the heating unit 72, the individual heating elements 7% and 89 are interwound in a substantially helical form, and the four extremities of the two individual heating elements 79 and 80 project first downwardly, then inwardly and thence upwardly from the cooking platform or the heating unit 72, as clearly illustrated in FIG. 6; which four extremities of the individual heating elements 72 and 80 are securely clamped together by an associated clamping structure 84 that is pivotally connected by an associated pivot pin 85 to the clip '75, as previously noted.

The mounting arrangements and the electrical connecnections of the two electric heating units 71 and 72 are substantially identical, and the mounting arrangement and the electrical connections of the heating unit 72 are shown in greater detail in FIGS. 7 and 8. Referring now to FIGS.

5, 6, 7 and 8, it will be observed that the individual heating element 79 comprises an outer section of the heating unit 72 and the individual heating element 88 comprises an inner section of the heating unit 72; the two extremities of the outer heating element 79 are respectively indicated at 7 9a and 7%, while the two extremities of the inner heating element 81 are respectively indicated at Ella and 8411;. Four electric terminals 91, 92, 93 and 94 respectively project from the four heating element extremities 79a, 79b, 88a and lib. The terminals 91, @2 and 93 respectively carry three contact clips 101, 102 and 1113, and the terminals 92 and 93 are electrically connected together by an associated strap 1&4. Hence, the contact clip Trill is individual to the outside terminal 91 of the heating element 79; the contact clip 11).; is individual to the outside terminal 93 of the heating element and the contact clip 162 is common to the inside terminals 22 and 94 of the respective heating elements 79 and 80. In the arrangement, the three contact clips 1111, 102 and 1% respectively carried by the terminals 91, 92 and 93 are disposed below the dome 46 defined by the upper wall 43 and the boundary wall 44 of the upper casing section 32, as clearly illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8.

Further, the heating unit 72 carries a reflector pan 105 disposed below the individual heating elements 79 and 8d, as best shown in FIG. 6. The reflector pan 105 is detachably secured in place by a series of depending clips 1%, as indicated in FIGS. 6 and 8; which reflector pan 105 is disposed in the cooperating basin 39 when the heating unit 72 occupies its active position, as shown in PEG. 6. When the heating unit 72 occupies its active position of FIG. 6, the heating platform thereof is arranged in a substantially horizontal position and is thus adapted to support a cooperating cooking vessel for the cooking purpose in an obvious manner. On the other hand, when it is desirable or necessary to clean the basin 39 disposed below the heating unit 72, the heating unit 72 may be pivoted upwardly into its inactive position, as shown in FIG. 7, whereupon the reflector pan M may be readily detached from the heating unit 72 and access may be had through the circular opening 54 in the composite casing into the basin 39 for the cleaning purpose. Of course, the heating unit 72 is of open construction accommodating the spillage therethrough of food that may be boiled over from the supported cooking vessel, the spillage falling through the heating unit 72, first accumulating upon the reflector pan and then running through a centrally disposed hole M7 provided therein, as shown in FIG. 6, into the cooperating basin 39 formed in the lower casing section 31 of the composite casing 30.

Again referring to FIG. 6, the cooking appliance 29 further comprises a receptacle 11% including a lower metallic section 111 and an upper electrical-insulating section 112. The lower receptacle section 111 terminates in a centrally disposed and downwardly directed hollow tube 113 that projects through the previously-mentioned hole 44 provided in the boss 37 formed in the bottom wall 33 of the lower casing section 31; which hollow tube 113 is suitably clamped in place by cooperating upper and lower nuts 11-4 and 115 respectively disposed on opposite sides of the top of the boss 37 and threaded upon the shank of the tube 113. Accordingly, the receptacle 118 is mounted upon the top of the boss 37 and projects upwardly therefrom into the lower portion of the dome 46 defined by the boundary wall 44 of the upper casing section 31; whereby the receptacle is disposed well above the basins 38' and 39 defined in the lower casing section 31.

Further, the cooking appliance 20 comprises two electric control switches 121 and 122 respectively arranged in the holes 47 and 48 provided in the top wall 43 of the upper casing section 32 and commonly supported by the upper receptacle casing 112.

The connection, arrangement and disposition of the receptacle 110 and the two control switches 121 and 122 will best be understood by reference to FIGS. 6, 9, l0

and 11; and it will be observed that the two electric control switches 121 and 122 are identical. More particularly, the upper receptacle casing 112 comprises a first set of three individual contact clips 131, 132 and 133 disposed on the left-hand side thereof, and a second set of three individual contact clips 1411, 142 and 143 disposed on the right-hand side thereof. The electric control switch 121 comprises an insulating casing 150 that carries a first set of three individual downwardly projecting contact blades 151, 152 and 153, and a second set of three individual downwardly projecting contact blades 161, 162 and 163. Similarly, the electric control switch 122 comprises an insulating casing 171 that carries a first set of three individual downwardly projecting contact blades 171, 172 and 173, and a second set of three individual downwardly projecting contact blades 181, 182 and 183. When the lower portion of the casing 151) of the electric control switch 121 is inserted through the co operating hole 47 formed in the top wall 43 into its mounted position with respect to the upper section 112 of the receptacle 110 and in supported position upon the receptacle 110, the three contact blades 151, 152 and 153 respectively project into the three contact clips 131, 132 and 133 establishing corresponding electrical connections therebetween. Similarly, when the lower portion of the casing 170 of the electric control switch 122 is inserted through the cooperating hole 48 formed in the top wall 43 into its mounted position with respect to the upper receptacle section 112 of the receptacle 110 and in supported position upon the receptacle 110, the three contact blades 171, 172 and 173 respectively project into the three contact clips 141, 142 and 143 establishing corresponding electrical connections therebetween.

Also when the electric control switch 121 occupies its mounted position with respect to the top of the receptacle 11h, the three individual switch blades 161, 162 and 163 are disposed in cooperating relation with respect to the three contact clips 191, 192 and 193 disposed therebelow within the dome 46 and terminating the terminals of the two heating elements 76 and 77 of the heating unit 71. Similarly, when the electric control switch 122 occupies its mounted position with respect to the top of the recep tacle 110, the three individual switch blades 181, 182 and 183 are disposed in coopertaing relation with respect to the three contact clips 1111, 1112 and 103 disposed therebelow within the dome 46 and terminating the terminals of the two heating elements 79 and 80 of the heating unit '72;

Again referring to FIG. 6, the electrical receptacle 110 is operatively connected to the conductors N, L1 and L2 of a 3-wire Edison supply source, as explained more fully hereinafter, which three conductors mentioned of the supply source noted are arranged in insulating oasings disposed within an electrically armored conduit 201 that is received within the lower end of the tube 113 of the receptacle 1111 and suitably anchored in place.

Again referring to FIGS. 6, 9, and 11, the two electric control switches 121 and 122 respectively comprise rotatably mounted manually operable dials 154 and 174 repsectively disposed above the insulating casings 150 and 171i and positioned above the top wall 43 of the upper casing section 32. As shown in FIG. 10, the manually operable dial 174 of the electric control switch 122 is secured upon the extreme upper end of an operating shaft 175 therefor; which operating shaft 175 extends through the top of the associated casing 176 and thence through the cooperating hole 48 formed in the top wall 13. Accordingly, it will be understood that the operating dials 154 and 17.4 of the respective control switches 121 and 122 are readily accessible from the exterior of the cooking appliance and are disposed upon the top of the island defined by the boundary wall 44- of the upper casing section 32.

The connections and arrangements of the electric circuits will best be understood by reference to FIG. 12,

wherein the electrical receptacle 110, the two electric'control switches 121 and 122 and the electric heating unit 72 are diagrammatically illustrated. More particularly, the neutral conductor N of the Edison source is grounded and commonly connected to the contact clips 131 and 141. In the receptacle 116, the outside conductor L1 of the source is commonly connected to the contact clips 132 and 143 in the receptacle 110, and the outside conductor L2 of the source is commonly connected to the contact clips 133 and 14-3 in the receptacle 110.

As previously explained, the contact clips 131, 132 and 133 are adapted to receive the cooperating contact blades 151, 152 and 153 of the electric control switch 121, while the contact clips 141, 142 and 143 are adapted to receive the cooperating contact blades 171, 172 and 173 of the electric control switch 122. The contact blades 161, 162 and 163 of the electric control switch 121 are adapted to cooperate with the contact clips 191, 192 and 193 carried by the terminals of the electric heating unit 71; and similarly, the contact blades 181, 182 and 183 of the electric control section 122 are adapted to cooperate with the contact clips 1111, 102 and 103 carried by the terminals of the electric heating unit 72.

As previously noted, the two electric control switches 121 and 122 are identical; whereby only the switching mechanism in the electric control switch 122 is described in detail below. More particularly, the electric control switch 122 comprises a switching mechanism including three movable switch blades 211, 212 and 213. The movable switch blade 211 cooperates with two stationary switch blades 214 and 215; the movable switch blade 212 cooperates with two stationary switch blades 216 and 217; and the movable switch blade 213 cooperates with a stationary switch blade 218. The movable switch blades 211, 212 and 213 are respectively connected to the contact blades 183, 181 and 182; the stationary switch blade 214 is connected to the contact blade 171; the two stationary contact blades 215 and 216 are commonly connected to the contact blade 172; and the two stationary contact blades 217 and 218 are commonly connected to the contact blade 173. Also, as illustrated in FIG. 12, in the heating unit 72, the extremities of the heating elements 79 and are respectively connected to the contact clips 121 and 163, while the junction between the heating elements 72 and 31B are commonly connected together and to the contact clip 102.

The electric control switch 122 has an o position illustrated in FIG. 13, wherein the movable contact blades 211, 212 and 213 disengage the cooperating ones of the stationary contact blades 214, 215, 216, 217 and 218; whereby all of the circuits to the heating elements 79 and 80 are interrupted.

The electric control switch 122 has a high position illustrated in FIG. 14, wherein the movable contact blades 211, 212 and 213 respectively engage the stationary contact blades 215, 216 and 218; whereby the two heating elements 79 and 80 may be energized in parallel relation across the line conductors L1 and L2.

The electric control switch 122 has a warm position illustrated in FIG. 15, wherein the movable contact blades 211 and 212 respectively engage the stationary contact blades 214 and 216; whereby the two heating elements 79 and 81) may be energized in series relation across the neutral conductor N and the line conductor L1.

The electric control switch 122 has a low position illustrated in EEG. l6, wherein the movable contact blades 211 and 213 respectively engage the stationary contact blades 214 and 218; whereby only the heating element 81) may be energized across the neutral conductor N and the line conductor L2.

The electric control switch 122 has a third position illustrated in FIG. 17, wherein the movable contact blades 211 and 212 respectively engage the stationary contact blades 215 and 217, whereby the two heating elements 79 and 80 may be energized in series relation across the line conductors L1 and L2.

The electric control switch 122 has .a second position illustrated in FIG. 18, wherein the movable contact blades 211 and 213 respectively engage the stationary contact blades 215 and 218, whereby only the heating element 80 may be energized across the line conductors L1 and L2.

Again referring to FIG. 12, it will be appreciated that the contact blades 171, 172 and 173 carried by the electric control switch 122 cooperating with the contact clips 141 and 142 and 143 carried by the electrical receptacle 110 constitute a first disconnect switch of the plug-in type; whereby the various electrical connections described above in conjunction with FIGS. 14 to 18, inclusive, may be selectively completed by selective operation 'of the manual dial 174 of the electric control switch 122 only when the electric control switch 122 occupies its "pluggedin position with respect to the electrical receptacle 110. Similarly, the contact blades 181, 182 and 183 carried by the electric control switch 122 cooperating with the contact clips 101, 102 and 103 carried by the electric heating unit 72 constitute a second disconnect switch of the switch-blade type; whereby the various electrical connections described above in conjunction with FIGS. 14 to 18, inclusive, may be selectively completed as previously described only when the electric control switch 122 occupies its plugged-in position with respect to the electrical receptacle 110 and when the heating unit 72 occupies its active position as shown in FIG. 6.

Again referring to FIGS. 6, 7 and 8, it will be appreciated that when the heating unit 72 occupies its active or cooking position, as illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 8, the contact clips 101, 102 and 103 carried by the extremities 79a, 79b, 80a and 80b of the individual heating elements 79 and 80 in the heating unit 72 are moved upwardly into the dome 46 and into respective engagements with the contact blades 18-1, 182 and 183. On the other hand, when the heating unit 72 is moved into its inactive or cleaning position, as illustrated in FIG. 7, the contact clips 101, etc., are moved downwardly out of the dome 46 into the basin 39 disposed below the dome 46, whereby the contact clips 101, etc., disengage the contact blades 181, etc.

Reverting to FIGS. 12 to 18, inclusive, the actual construction and arrangement of the switching mechanism that is incorporated in the electric control switch 122 has not been illustrated in detail in the interest of brevity, since the same is entirely conventional and may be of the construction and arrangement of that disclosed in US. Patent No. 2,203,236, granted on June 4, 1940 to Charles P. Randolph et a1.

Reverting to FIGS. 9, 10 and 11, it is reiterated that the electric control switches 121 and 122 are identical, whereby the two electric control switches 121 and 122 occupy a mirror image position with respect to each other, as illustrated in FIG. 9, whereby rotation of the electric control switch 121 through an angle of 180 renders the same congruent with the electric control switch 121. Accordingly, either of the electric control switches 121 or 122 may be inserted through either of the holes 47 or 48 provided in the top wall 43 upon proper rotation and orientation thereof with respect to the electrical receptacle 110 disposed below the top wall 43 in the dome 46.

In this connection, it is mentioned (in connection with FIGS. 10 and 11) that the manually operable dial174 of the electric control switch 122 carries a skirt 174a that is provided with the indicia, not actually shown, and corresponding to the off, high, warm, low, third and second positions thereof, as previously explained in conjunction with FIGS. 13 to 18, inclusive. Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 5, the skirt of the manually operable dial 154 of the electric control switch 121 cooperates with an index marker 154k carried by the top wall 43, and the skirt of the manually operable dial 174 of the electric control switch 122 cooperates with an index marker 17% carried by the top wall 43. In the arrangement, the index marker 15% is displaced with respect to the index marker 1741: by virtue of the fact that the two electric control switches 121 and 122 occupy positions displaced from each other by 180. This arrangement renders the electric control switches 121 and 122 universal with respect to their utility in the selective control of the two electric heating units 71 and 72.

In view of the foregoing, it will be understood that when the cooking appliance 20 is mounted in the kitchen counter 21, the top surface of the top wall 35of the lower structure 31, the top surface of the lower wall 45 of the upper structure 32 .and the top or upper surface of the kitchen counter 21 are all disposed substantially coplanar, while the upper wall 43 of the upper structure 32 is disposed well above the top surface of the kitchen counter 21, whereby the manually operable dials 154 and 174 of the respective electric control switches 121 and 122 are disposed well above the top of the cooking appliance 20 and consequently well above the top surface of the kitchen counter 21, as clearly illustrated in FIG. 6. Accordingly, the cook may manipulate the readily accessible manually operable dials 154 and 174-disposed upon the top ofthe. island thus provided by the cooking appliance 20, notwithstanding the support of other utensils upon the kitchen counter 21 and without interference therewith.

Furthermore, it will be appreciated that a plurality of the cooking appliances 20 may be readily mounted in a corresponding plurality of openings provided through the kitchen counter 21 thereby to provide total cooking facility comprising four, six, etc., electric heating units. Moreover, the plurality of cooking appliances 20 may be appropriately grouped together or suitably separated with respect to each other in their supported positions upon the kitchen counter 21 in order to provide maximum flexibility of design with respect to the total cooking facility.

In view of the foregoing, it is apparent that there has been provided a cooking appliance comprising an improved construction and arrangement of the composite casing thereof rendering the installation thereof in a kitchen counter, or' the like, simple and economical. Moreover, the cooking appliance comprises an improved combination and assembly of substantially conventional components that may be readily assembled and disassembled in a simple manner for purpose of installation, and also repair when required. Further, the cooking appliance comprises a modular arrangement of the components thereof lending itself to ready utilization in the formation of large cooking installations.

While there has been described what is at present considered to be the preferred embodiment of the invention,

it will be understood that various modifications may be made therein, and it is intended to cover in the appended claims all such modifications as fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention.

What is claimed is:

1. A cooking appliance adapted for installation in a kitchen counter, or the like; said appliance comprising a firstmetal structure including a bottom wall and a marginal wall upstanding from said bottom Wall and a substantially flat top wall outstanding from the top of said marginal wall, whereby a basin is defined in said first structure having an open top surrounded by said top wall, means for anchoring said first structure in place and in supported position in an opening provided in the kitchen counter, a second metal structure including an upper wall and a boundary wall depending from said upper wall and a substantially flat lower wall outstanding from the bottom ofsaid boundary wall, whereby a dome is defined in said second structure having an open bottom the top of said first structure with said lower wall disposed substantially coplanar with said top wall and with said upper wall disposed well above said top wall, said second structure constituting a partial cover for the top of said basin with a portion of the perimeter of said lower wall spaced inwardly from a portion of said marginal wall, thereby to define a top passage into said basin surrounded by cooperating portions of said top wall and said lower wall, a heating unit mounted in super-imposed relation with said top passage, said upper wall having a top hole therethrough into said dome, a device for selectively controlling said heating unit, and means for supporting said device in the upper portion of said dome, said device partially projecting through said top hole and including a manually operable control handle disposed above said upper wall and readily accessible from the exterior.

2. A cooking appliance adapted for installation in a kitchen counter, or the like; said appliance comprising a first metal structure including a bottom wall and a marginal wall upstanding from said bottom wall and a substantially fiat top wall outstanding from the top of said marginal wall, whereby a basin is defined in said first structure having an open top surrounded by said top wall, means for anchoring said first structure in place and in supported position in an opening provided in the kitchen counter, a second metal structure including an upper wall and a boundary wall depending from said upper wall and a substantially flat lower wall outstanding from the bottom of said boundary wall, whereby a dome is defined in said second structure having an open bottom surrounded by said lower wall, means for securing said second structure in place and in supported position in the top of said first structure with said lower wall disposed substantially coplanar with said top wall and with said upper wall disposed well above said top wall, said second structure constituting a partial cover for the top of said basin with a portion of the perimeter of said lower wall spaced inwardly from a portion of said marginal wall, thereby to define a top passage into said basin surrounded by cooperating portions of said top wall and said lower wall, an electric heating unit mounted in superimposed relation with said top passage, said upper wall having a top hole therethrough into said dome, an electric switch for selectively controlling said heating unit, and means for supporting said switch in the upper portion of said dome, said switch partially projecting through said top hole and including a manually operable control handle disposed above said upper wall and readily accessible from the exterior.

3. A cooking appliance adapted for installation in a kitchen counter, or the like; said appliance comprising a first metal structure including a bottom wall and a marginal wall upstanding from said bottom wall and a substantially flat top wall outstanding from the top of said marginal wall, whereby a basin is defined in said first structure having an open top surrounded by said top wall, means for anchoring said first structure in place and in supported position in an opening provided in the kitchen'counter, a second metal structure including an upper wall and a boundary wall depending from said upper wall and a substantially flat lower wall outstanding from the bottom of said boundary wall, whereby a dome is defined in said second structure having an open bottom surrounded by said lower wall, means for securing said second structure in place and in supported position in the top of'said first structure with said lower wall disposed substantially coplanar with said top wall and with said upper wall disposed well above said top wall, said second structure constituting a partial cover for the top of said basin with two spaced-apart portions of the perimeter of said lower wall respectively spaced inwardly from two corresponding portions of said marginal wall, thereby to define two spaced-apart top passages into said basin each surrounded by cooperating portions of said top wall and said lower wall, two heating units respectively mounted in superimposed relation with'said top passages, said upper wall having a top hole therethrough into said dome; two devices for respectively selectively controlling said heating units, and means for supporting said devices in the upper portion of said dome, each of said devices partially projecting through said top hole and including a manually operable control handle disposed above said upper wall and readily accessible from the exterior.

4. The cooking appliance set forth in claim 3, wherein said two top passages are respectively located on two sides of said upper wall, whereby the control handles of said two devices are disposed adjacent to each other and intermediate said heating units.

5. The cooking appliance set forth in claim 3, wherein said top wall is substantially rectangular and said two top passages are respectively located adjacent to the opposite ends of said top wall and positioned on opposite sides of said upper wall, whereby the control handles of said two devices are disposed adjacent to each other and intermediate said heating units.

6. A cooking appliance adapted for installation in a kitchen counter, or the like; said appliance comprising a first metal structure including a bottom wall and a marginal wall upstanding from said bottom wall and a substantially flat top wall outstanding from the top of said marginal wall, whereby a basin is defined in said first structure having an open top surrounded by said top wall, means for anchoring said first structure in place and in supported position in an opening provided in the kitchen counter, a second metal structure including an upper wall and a boundary wall depending from said upper wall and a substantially fiat lower wall outstanding from the bottom of said boundary wall, whereby a dome is defined in said second structure having an open bottom surrounded by said lower wall, means for securing said second structure in place and in supported position in the top of said first structure with said lower wall disposed substantially coplanar with said top wall and with said upper wall disposed well above said top wall, said second structure constituting a partial cover for the top of said basin with a portion of the perimeter of said lower wall spaced inwardly from a portion of said marginal wall, thereby to de fine a top passage into said basin surrounded by cooperating portions of said top wall and said lower wall, an elec tric heating unit mounted in superimposed relation with said top passage, said bottom wall also having an upstanding boss disposed therein and projecting upwardly well thereabove into said basin and located below said dome, an electric receptacle mounted upon the top of said boss and projecting upwardly thereabove into the lower portion of said dome, and an electric switch for selectively controlling said heating unit mounted upon the top of said receptable and projecting upwardly thereabove into the upper portion of said dome, said upper wall having a top hole therethrough into said dome, said switch partially projecting through said top hole and including a manually operable control handle disposed above said upper wall and readily accessible from the exterior.

7. The cooking appliance set forth in claim 6, and further comprising an electric conduit projecting through an aperture provided in said boss and sealed thereto in liquidtight relation, the upper end of said conduit also being sealed in liquid-tight relation to said receptacle, whereby electric wiring may be extended from the exterior through said conduit into said receptacle entirely out of contact with any spillage that may be accumulated in said basin.

-8. The cooking appliance set forth in claim 6, wherein said top hole accommodates placement and removal therethrough of said switch with respect to said receptacle from the exterior, and said switch and said receptacle respectively comprise cooperating plug and socket elements accommodating ready connection and disconnection of said switch with respect to said receptacle.

9. A cooking appliance adapted for installation in a kitchen counter, or the like; said appliance comprising a 13 first metal structure of substantially pan-like form including a substantially flat top wall of substantially rectangular configuration and provided with a basin therein having an open top surreunded by said top'wall, means for anchoring said first structure in place and in supported position in a substantially rectangular opening provided in the kitchen counter, a second metal structure including an up per wall and a boundary wall depending from said upper wall and a substantially flat lower wall outstandingfrom the bottom of said boundary wall, whereby a dome is defined in said second structure having an open bottom sur-. rounded by said lower wall, said first structure having two shallow ledges respectively formed in the opposite top central portions of said marginal wall just below the corresponding portions of said top wall, said second structure k fitting into said first structure as a partial cover with two opposed portions of the perimeter of said lower wall respectively engaging said two ledges and Withthe top of said lower wall disposed substantially coplanar with the top of said top wall and with said upper walldisposed well above saidtop wall and with two other opposed portions of the perimeter of said lower wall respectively spaced inwardly from two corresponding opposed other portions of said marginal'wall, thereby to define two spaced-apart top passages into said basin each surrounded by cooperating portions of said top wall and said lower wall, means for ecu i place sa d se on s ructure n it n po tion in said first structure, two heating units respectively o d in up rimpo e e t on it i to p s g said upper wall having a top hole there through into said dome, twodevices for respectively selectively controlling said heating units, and means for supporting saiddevices in the upper portion of said dome, each of said devices partially projecting through said top hole and including a manually operablecontrol handle disposed above said vupper wall and readily accessible from the exterior.

10. The cooking appliance set forth in claim 9, wherein said two top passages are of different sizes and said two heating units are of two respectively corresponding different sizes so that each of said heating uni-ts nicely fits over the corresponding one of said top passages.

11. A cooking appliance adapted for installation in a kitchen counter, or the like; said appliance comprising a first metal structure of substantially pan-like form includ ing a substantially fiat top wall of substantially rectangular configuration and provided with a basin therein having an open t p sur ounded b sa d op a a t p Wall r yin own ard directed ma na f n n im, means r an riu sa d rst str ct r in p ac d in supported position in a substantially rectangular opening provided in the kitchen counter with said marginal rim spaced inwardly within the counter opening and with said top wall disposed substantially coplanar with the top of the kitchen counter, said last-mentioned means including a substantially rectangular metal trim member having an inner perimeteral portion overlying and sealed to the adjacent perimeteral portion of said top wall and an outer perimeteral portion overlying and sealed to the adjacent perimeteral portion of the top of the kitchen counter, a second metal structure including an upper wall and a boundary wall depending from said upper wall and a substantially flat lower wall outstanding from the bottom of said boundary wall, whereby a dome is defined in said second structure having an open bottom surrounded by said lower wall, said first structure having two shallow ledges respectively formed in the opposite top central portions of said marginal wall just below the corresponding portions of said top wall, said second structure fitting into said first structure as a partial cover with two opposed portions of the perimeter of said lower wall respectively engaging said two ledges and with the top of said lower wall disposed substantially coplanar with the top of said top wall and with said upper wall disposed well above said top wall and with two other opposed portions of the perimeter of said lower wall respectively spaced inwardly from two corresponding opposed other portionsof said marginal wall, thereby to define two spaced-apart top passages into said basin each surrounded by cooperating portions'of said top wall and said lower wall, means for securing in place said second structure in its fitting position in said first structure, two heating units respectively mounted in superimposed relation with said top passages, said upper wallhaving a top hole therethrough into said dome, two devices for respectively selectively controlling said heating units, and means for supporting said devices in the upper portion of said dome, each of said devices partially projecting through said'top hole and including a manually operable control handle disposed above said upper wall and readily accessible from the exterior.

l2. In an electric cooking appliance, a metal box-like structure including a substantially horizontal cooking top and a bottom wall disposed below said cooking top and a marginal wall joining said cooking top and said bottom wall, thereby to define a spillage container within said structure and disposed below said cooking top, .said cooking top having a top opening therein, an electric heating unit mountedin said top opening, said structure also including a control island upstanding from said cooking top and spaced from said top opening and defining a dome therein positioned above said spillage container, said structure also including a boss upstanding from said bottom wall and located, in said spillage container below said dome, an electric receptacle mounted upon the top of said boss and ,projecting upwardly thereabove into the lower portion of said dome, an electric conduit projecting through an aperture provided in said boss and sealed thereto in .liquidrtight relation, the upper end of said conduit alsobeing sealed in liquid-tight relation to said receptacle, whereby electric wiring may be extended from the exterior through said conduit into said receptacle entirely out of contact with any spillage that may be accumulated in said spillage container, and an electric switch for selectively controlling said heating unit mounted upon the top of said receptacle and projecting upwardly thereabove into the upper portion of said dome, the top of said island having a top hole therethrough into said dome, said switch partially projecting through said top hole and including a manually operable control handle disposed above the top of said island and readily accessible from the exterior.

- 13. The electric cooking appliance set forth in claim 12, wherein said top hole accommodates placement and removal therethrough of said switch with respect to said receptacle from the exterior, and said switch and said receptacle respectively comprise cooperating plug and socket elements accommodating ready connection and disconnection of said switch with respect to said receptacle.

14. In an electric cooking appliance, a metal box-like structure including a substantially horizontal cooking top and a bottom wall disposed below said cooking top and a marginal wall joining said cooking top and said bottom wall, thereby to define a spillage container within said structure and disposed below said cooking top, said cooking top having a top opening therein, an electric heating unit mounted in said top opening for pivotal movements between a lower substantially horizontal position of use and an upper inclined position of non-use, thereby to accommodate cleaning of said spillage container through said top opening when said heating unit occupies its upper position of non-use, said structure also including a control island upstanding from said cooking top and spaced from said top opening and defining a dome therein positioned above said spillage container, an electric control switch having a mounted position in the upper portion of said dome, the top of said island having a top hole therethrough into said dome, said switch partially projecting through said top hole and including a manually operable control handle disposed above the top of said island and readily accessible from the exterior, said control switch also including an interminal set and an out-terminal set and switching mech= anism selectively governed by said control handle for selectively completing and interrupting different electric connections between said in-terminal set and said outterminal set, and a disconnect switch disposed in the lower portion of said dome and including first and second contact sets, said first contact set being mounted upon said control switch and electrically connected to said out-terminal set, said second contact set being mounted upon said heating unit and electrically connected thereto, said second contact set being moved into respective closed and open positions with respect to said first contact set in response to movements of said heating unit into its respective use and non-use positions.

15. The electric cooking appliance set forth in claim 14, wherein said top hole accommodates placement and removal therethrough of said control switch with respect to its mounted position, whereby movement of said control switch from its mounted position in the upper portion of said dome carries therewith said first contact set of said disconnect switch so as eflfectively to open said disconnect switch regardless of the position of said heating unit.

16. In an electric cooking appliance, an electric receptacle including a fixed contact set, an electric control switch including an in-contact set and an out-contact set and switching mechanism for selectively completing and interrupting different electric connections between said in-contact set and said out-contact set, means for removably mounting said control switch upon said receptacle, said in-contact set engaging said fixed contact set and said out-contact set being located in a predetermined position only when said control switch occupies its mounted position upon said receptacle, an electric heating unit mounted for movements between a use position and an non-use position, and a switching contact set mounted upon said heating unit and movable therewith, said switching contact set being movable into and out of a given position in response to movements of said heating unit into its respective use and non-use positions, said out-contact set and said switching contact set being arranged in cooperating relation with each other and constituting a disconnect switch having a closed position only when said out-contact set occupies its predetermined position and said switching contact set occupies its given position, whereby said disconnect switch is in an open position either when said control switch is removed from its mounted position upon said receptacle .or when said heating unit is moved into its non-use position,

17. In an electric cooking appliance, a cooking top having both a top hole and a top opening formed therein and disposed in spaced-apart relation, an electric receptacle mounted below said cooking top and positioned in alignment with said top hole and including a fixed contact set, an electric control switch including an in-contact set and an out-contact set and switching mechanism for selectively completing and interrupting diiferent electric connections between said in-contact set and said out-contact set, said control switch being movable through said top hole between mounted and unmounted positions with respect to the top of said receptacle, said control switch also including an operating shaft for selectively operating said switching mechanism and having an outer end projecting through said top hole when said control switch occupies its mounted position'upon the top of said receptacle, a manually operable control handle mounted upon the outer end of said operating shaft and positioned above said cooking top and accessible from the exterior when said control switch occupies its mounted position upon the top of said receptacle, said in-contact set engaging said fixed contact set and said out-contact set being located in a predetermined position only when said control switch occupies its mounted position upon said receptacle, an electric heating unit mounted upon said cooking top for movements between a use position disposed in said top opening and a non-use position disposed above said top opening, and a switching contact set disposed below said cooking top and mounted upon said heating unit and movable therewith, said switching contact set being movable into and out of a given position in response to movements of said heating unit into its respective use and non-use positions, said out-contact set and said switching contact set being arranged in cooperating relation with each other and constituting a disconnect switch having a closed position only when said outcontact set occupies its predetermined position and said switching contact set occupies its given position, whereby said disconnect switch is in an open position either when said control switch is removed from its mounted position upon said receptacle or when said heating unit is moved into its non-use position.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,203,236 Randolph et al June 4, 1940 2,392,692 Price Jan. 8, 1946 2,551,759 Pence May 8, 1951 

